The Quantum Cat in 2025

Jan 02, 2025

I. Thank You

Before we start the year, I thought I should say thank you to all of you.

There are a few rules I have made for myself when writing this newsletter. The first, and I think most important, is to write about interesting things. But since “interesting” is subjective, this really boils down to writing about whatever I personally find interesting.

This has benefits. First, it is easier to write about things that interest me. And second, this rule has led me down some long and fascinating rabbit holes. There have been many times this year when I set out to write about one topic - the Sun, say - and found myself pursuing Vikings in North America or reading ancient mythology.

Third, I suppose, is that it attracts the right kind of readers. Most of you, I hope, would have signed up because you found something I wrote interesting, and then stuck around because I sent you more interesting things. I’m under no illusions that everyone will enjoy reading about these topics - but, as Murakami once put it, if only one out of ten people come back, then that’s enough.

Another rule is to focus on quality over quantity. The advantage of this is not obvious - and actually, much of the advice on writing online argues the opposite. Quantity is better, people say, because for them the goal of online writing is to get viewers and revenue, and the more you write, the more chance there is for people to find you and follow you.

I think, though, I’d rather write about things I find interesting, and spend the time to make that writing good.

II. The Year Ahead

There are a few other things I’d like to say:

My aim is to send out one free email each week. I don’t always achieve that - I’d rather publish quality work than send out poorly researched or written articles, but that is and remains my “official” target. I know not everyone has time to read all the articles, but please don’t worry about it, there’s no obligation here.
For a long time I’ve been interested in exploring the origins of science, astronomy and physics. Over the next few months I’m planning an informal series to talk about that - to look at how science emerged in the times of Babylonia and Ancient Greece, and to think about how the ideas they developed influenced later thought. I’m hopeful this will give a nice way to tie together several concepts and ideas I have wanted to write about for a while.
I’m toying with the idea of creating another newsletter featuring more general writing. When I started out, I did not just write about science - I actually began by writing about photography. But since this is a newsletter explicitly about science, space, and physics, and you’ve most likely signed up to hear about that, I’m reluctant to write about other topics on The Quantum Cat. At some point this year then, I may start another newsletter that is explicitly about whatever I want to write about. I’ll let you know if this ever comes to something, and feel free to sign up or not then.
I’d like to thank all those who have written to me over the past years to ask questions or just to give some kind support! Please don’t hesitate to get in contact with any feedback or questions. I’d be especially happy to hear about any articles you liked (or hated!), any topics you’d like to hear more or less about, or any questions you have.